Sunday, 31 March 2013

DOHA AL JAZEERA Media Network, represented by Al Jazeera Media training and Development Center, recently signed a memorandum of understanding for media training with the Ministry of Awqaf (religious Endowment) and Islamic Affairs.

DOHA curtain came down on the powerful Youth Conference in the Qatar National Convention Center where future leaders converged for the three-day event sponsored by Msheireb properties.

To show ROTA commitment to the support of the United Nations international year of Water cooperation, 400 delegates from Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, the Gulf States and the UK took part in a series of half-day service learning activities with a mix of sports and environmental activities on the third and final day of the Qatar's largest annual youth gathering.

The young people took part in various activity full of Community programmes project visits and interactive reflection.

"For the fifth consecutive year, Empower has given hundreds of young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to take leadership roles in addressing local and international issues of interest to them, especially in the field of sustainable development and sport," said ROTA Executive Director Essa al M.

Kicking off the last day of Empower 2013; agents seized the opportunity to participate in one of the nine half-day maintenance learning activities.

Highlight the main themes of the activities connected with sport, Empower 2013 were development and in support of the United Nations international year of Water cooperation.

After completing the activity sessions, the members expressed their thoughts and experiences in a reflective learning session followed by a series of cultural performances and an amazing youthled closing ceremony.

As a result of the passion that possess the youth delegates to address global environmental problems, they took part in a seminar on ' action plans – Water cooperation. ' The seminar gave an introduction of what the UN international year of Water cooperation means and how it compares to Empower 2013 Conference. At the seminar, delegates were informed about some of the current and relevant examples (both from the point of view of both regional and global.) The seminar had the involvement of the Earth Charter and how it benefits the Conference and water conservation/collaboration, but more importantly, was related to developing and taking action on the youth campaign projects/activities.

On day one of the Conference, both the youth Planning Committee ROTA and ROTA Youth Advisory Board announced the start of three days of exciting activities.

Delegates also had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Msheireb properties on Water sensitive urban design.

The presentation by Bassam discussed the essential steps taken by Eisa al M Msheireb a sustainable project properties with a focus on the water to develop.

Participants were able to understand the driving vision behind Msheireb Down city Doha and had a detailed understanding of what can be done from a master plan point of view, as well as a technical character.

"This is our event; This is our time! "said Mohamed al Hashemi, ROTA Youth Advisory Board Member, who pleaded for a shift to more service learning in regular education.

"Empower was a fantastic opportunity for me to employee my opportunities for other young people who are making great contributions to meet the challenges of our communities."

The donations are part of a partnership between Katara hospitality-which runs a number of hotels in and outside Qatar and QC, aimed at supporting low income people.

The donations included clothing, furnishings, home and electronic appliances. They were received on behalf of QC by Abdullah Abdul Hadi al a., Director of in-kind donations for the project ' Taif ', in the presence of Hamad Mohammed Thiyabi, Director of the Board Katara hospitality and Salem Ghanem Kubaisi, Director of the Purchasing Department, as well as a number of employees.

A set of disused furniture from the Katara Movenpick Hotel Doha was included in the collection.

"We are proud to offer the voluntary program to support ' Taif ' QC and I should like to thank all Katara hospitality employees who have donated to this noble cause," said Katara CEO Hamad Abdulla al Mulla.

"Katara hospitality is eager to make its support for the social development schemes and charitable initiatives of Qatar Charity to those services to individuals and communities in Qatar and elsewhere providing continue," Mulla added.

A. thanked Katara hospitality for the donation, saying: "the partnership between Qatar Charity and Katara hospitality comes in the framework of social responsibility of national institutions; supporting the poor through social projects. " Dossari Qatar appealed to other companies and institutions, in particular those who work in the hotel and tourism industry in support of the Taif ' program and help support the needy QC by setting up charitable projects, as well as by promoting the values of giving and solidarity.

Katara hospitality hotels in Qatar and abroad have witnessed steady growth in the past few years and the company has a prestigious reputation as a global pioneer in the hospitality industry with hotels all over the world; from the far East to Africa and throughout Europe.

Katara adheres to a comprehensive and integrated approach to the practice of social responsibility, based on long-established infrastructure, to important issues related to the environment, society, workplace and product development.

The QC ' Taif ' project is a unique initiative which aims to help the needy; in particular, low income families, in a way that their human dignity, by promoting the spirit of volunteering in the community.

The project includes QC disposable goods collection and dissemination of them who are in need.

DOHA the second edition of the annual Festival of Halal Qatar, now comes on on Katara, while mainly revolve around the breeding of cattle, also as an excellent opportunity to showcase a wider range of activities and products of Qatar's heritage.

It is of great value for those interested in local history and culture, so we went to the festival looking to connect with some of these cultural manifestations.

Several people involved in the presentation of different aspects of the country provided insightful comments on the heritage.

Abdullah al Kwari is an authority on the breeding of sheep and goats. An old man, he is a consultant in the type field.

Underline the important role that these animals have played in the history of Qatar, he said "Halal is our word for these animals, goats and sheep, and they are traditionally with us and they continue to this day are important in our lives.

"The Bedouins took them for their wool, their milk, which she butter and other food substances, as well as their meat.

Many of the races can be imported from abroad, but they lived here for a long time, perhaps hundreds of years. They were scattered all over the GCC by these Bedouins, and there is a strong link between them and the people in this region. " He was referring to the changes in methods for breeding the animals, noting that "back in the olden days, the animals are, of course, in the desert, close to oases where they can graze. Today they are bred in pens or in barn-like enclosures.

"It's not as easy as some might think. One would have to spend years learning about raising the animals and their understanding, I suggest, and then could bring them properly. One would have to know that the animals graze, what kind of things they eat, and even be able to tell if they are good or ill were based on their behavior. " Abdullah listed the different types of animals (many of those exhibited in Qatar are Halal), and described some of the characteristics of each, adding that "there are goats and sheep here. The goats are of different races, including Shami (or Damascene), Alkamori, Aaridhi, Assihiyah, Persian, Al and R or Omani goats.

"The goats originated in Shami Al Sham (the Levant countries such as Lebanon and Syria, or Cyprus) and are great, and have thick, dark hair, and long ears.

Assihiyahs, in contrast, hairless, and come in many different colors, including black, white and red. These are very common in the South of the Arabian peninsula, as in Oman.

"Persian goats are small and covered with thick hair, and they live in the mountains, in Iraq and Iran.

They are known for the quality of their hair, that can be woven into the fabric. Alkamori originated in India, but are comfortable in hot, humid climates, and produce a lot of milk.

"Aaridhi goats are well known in Qatar for his tough, and can endure the fluctuations of a desert climate. They are often black, produce a lot of milk and have long, straight hair that can also be used for making textile.

Rahbi goats come from Oman, and come in a range of colors, from light brown to black. These are known for being very fleshy. " He continued, "Arab sheep are the most common here, are large in size, and come in a variety of colors. They have no horns, but many produce milk.

All Harya sheep originated in the Arabian peninsula, and are usually pale color, and are known for the proceeds of a lot of meat. NEJD sheep are also popular here, and are believed to have originated in the peninsula.

They are usually black, with a white head. They have a lot of stamina, and produce a lot of milk.

"There are two breeds of sheep from Africa that we have here, is a known as Al Bershen are white with specks of black or Brown, and produce plenty of milk. The other is Arfidya, sometimes called Tamtam and its small and hornless. Syrian sheep have many soft wool, and produce a lot of milk, and are more common in the Northern Arabian Peninsula. " Abdullah al H made bird falling out of wood, a skill he learned when he was a child.

He started with a discussion of the bird traps, and made an important note about events such as Halal Qatar.

"This is a traditional bird trap.

When it rains, in the winter, many birds tend to migrate to Qatar, and continue until the spring. When people would hunt these birds as a hobby, and the majority of Qataris, if they are old enough, a reminder of the use of traps like this would have.

"When these people walk by and see me make these traps, they are nostalgic, it brings back fond memories of their youth, when they used to use this contraption.

Some stop and talk to me about the old days, and cover a story they remind themselves of their younger days. It makes them happy, thinking of the good old days, so I enjoy here and work on this fall, "said Abdullah.

um Abdallah was involved in the weaving of palm fronds on a stand, as she does every day. She said "I learned to weave Palms like this when I was ten years old, as a hobby. I've been doing it for many years, and making baskets, and other things, as you can see here. I learned it from my mother and grandmother, and my aunts also woven Palms like this. " Daily performance of ' ardha, the most famous dance of Qatar, are performed during the Halal Qatar.

Ba'eij Khalifa is one of the performers of the ' ardha, the lulua (or Pearl) ensemble. He has run the dance for more than 25 years.

He expressed his joy at being a part of the festival, and his great appreciation for his heritage, stating that "the heritage the original identity.

As you can see, there are so many people here! This, I think, is because people have an affinity for an annex to their history and their heritage, that is our origin and identity.

Discussion on ' ardha in particular, Khalifa added "thanks to God who ' ardha is is well maintained here in Qatar, and you could say it's our national dance.

The proof of this is that every year, there are games for all ages, even children know the ' ardha. If people who are not familiar with this dance, or visitors from abroad, they are always curious and they ask us about it. And we tell them that the ' ardha is carried out at official, formal events and weddings. We are proud of this facet of our heritage. "

DOHA challenges to prospective entrepreneurs in Qatar come in many forms and from different sides. Securing business licenses, finding the right Qatari sponsor and scouting for the most strategic business location are among the most common.

But for Filipina entrepreneur Annie Barcelona Edmiston, convincing her own community to patronize Filipino clothing brands her company Doha Qatar is exclusively distribute trendsetters in was the biggest challenge.

"I found it very difficult to create my own community members to buy Philippine clothing since most of them can afford to buy from international brands. Some of them, especially the long time residents of Qatar, even doubted that I in this business could survive for more than a year because they have seen very few Philippine companies do, "said Annie.

Doha trendsetters is a retail and direct selling company of renowned Filipino clothing brands Hammerhead and BNY Jeans and shirts, both Philippine garment known in the industry for 20 years now.

Annie company was officially launched in Qatar on a glitzy event held at the Sheraton Hotel on 24 August 2012.

However, barely a year after setting up shop, Doha trendsetters has won the hearts of Filipinos in Qatar thanks to the tenacity of Annie to switch from the company into a success story.

Slowly, it has also gained recognition among other communities who are familiar with the different fashion style and taste of the Filipinos are. Filipinos are known throughout the world for their love of good grooming and fashion consciousness.

According to Annie, global sales and marketing director of the company, is Doha trendsetters extend to an international company. "Proof of this success is the latest partnership with Federico Mahora-FM brands, who has been among the top five networks companies of the world. We are also working on an international fashion clothing line from the makers of quality fashion dresses in Turkey. But it is not yet final, we are close to fulfilling our side of the requirements for signing the contract, "she said.

They added that the brand is the adjustment process in terms of production of larger sizes that accommodate to non-Filipino buyers.

Annie is with the good performance of its business, happy, but still determined to the Philippine brands more popular in Qatar. She is determined to Philippine made brands and more determined to prove that the Philippine entrepreneurs a place in the competitive business environment in the country have to promote.

So how Annie feels is one of the few successful Filipino entrepreneurs in Qatar? Answering that question she said: "Doha Trend setters is not just a company.

We are here also to support the overseas Filipino workers in most of their community projects and social gatherings. It feels great and it gives me more courage to continue and prove to the world what I can do to become successful. I have been in sales and marketing company for over 12 years in the Philippines, apply different companies in need of assistance when it comes to building their name in the market. If I might be able to help successfully making those companies then I can do it better for my own business.

We look forward to continued support of the Filipino community, "she said.

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?

ITALY'S highest court on Tuesday overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox, accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British woman who was Knox's roommate in Perugia, Italy, at the time.

IS spring actually here? We are definitely getting tired of snow stories. It's time for some sun. And then the drought stories!At which point we will ask ourselves: What ever happened to worrying about global warming?